Creatively Scientific: Memorable Surprises in Store at Science Building Dedication

September 12, 2011Category: Academics

Southern Utah University’s new Science Building — The Center for Health and Molecular Sciences — will be dedicated during the University’s Homecoming festivities on Friday, Sept. 16.

Opened for classes just weeks ago with the onset of the fall semester, the expanded space for the College of Science and Engineering has already proven its worth, as more classes and labs have opened for the nearly 30 percent of SUU’s student body majoring in a science or engineering discipline.

The dedication, at 4 p.m. on the south lawn of the Science Center, will include a short program, a percussion performance, ribbon cutting and a special science-themed surprise that is not to be missed.

Following the program, the building will be open for guided tours, with various refreshments on each level. The tour will also include a unique souvenir for all those in attendance.

If that weren’t enough, to help welcome students to the celebration for a building that was conceived, primarily, out of the need to accommodate SUU’s rapidly increasing number of high achieving science students, a drawing for an Apple iPad will be held for all current SUU students in attendance with a valid student ID. Note: the winning student must be in attendance to receive a raffle ticket and to collect his or her prize.

This Center for Health and Molecular Sciences includes a five-room rooftop greenhouse, expanded and updated labs and lab support areas, animal care rooms, a much-needed science-specific study lounge and office space for faculty and advisors.

It also expands critical instructional space, including the L.S. and Aline Skaggs Education Suite, located on the second floor, and the Dixie and Anne Leavitt Nursing Education Suite on the first floor — home to the college’s Department of Nursing.

Additionally, the building will serve as future home to the Garth and Jerri Frehner Museum of Natural History, opening later this fall.

The impressive 48,442-square-foot building fills the footprint of the 9,491-square-foot Life Science building which the college had grossly outgrown in terms of both size and facility enhancements crucial to modern-day science education and research.

The campus community is thrilled with the addition of its newest structure, and the dedication ceremony promises to reflect this enthusiasm.